The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked haven between India and
China, and it is often described as the last place you will find traditional Himalayan Buddhist culture. It is
virtually surrounded by the Himalayas, and for centuries has been a difficult place to visit.
Bhutan opened its doors to tourism on a limited scale over
thirty years ago, so now it is possible to think in terms of a Bhutan vacation.
The Kingdom of Bhutan is known locally as The Land of The
Thunder Dragon, and it is one of the most isolated and least well-developed nations in the
world.
It is difficult to comprehend a place like Bhutan whose main
issue is with happiness. Everybody seems happy, cultural values and traditions remain unchanged since Buddhism
began to be the dominant religion in the 7th Century. In other words, the world that we live in today has left
Bhutan largely untouched.
You will fall in love with the beauty of Bhutan, the lack of
pollution, be it 21st century rubbish, or the noise of pop music machines. The scenery and architecture will
hold you spellbound, and you will find the people quite the most charming, and very hospitable.
A Bhutan vacation will normally begin by entering the country
by air using the national carrier Druk Air. The airline flies into Paro from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, and
Kathmandu every week, and it is the only airline that flies in and out of Bhutan. If you fly from Kathmandu
ensure you get a seat on the left-hand side of the airline, because the views of the Himalayas are exceptional.
Departure tax is included in the ticket price, and you must ensure you have a visa organised before you set out
from home.
You can enter by road through Phuentsholing on the southern
border with India, and you could have a fantastic trip from Kathmandu to Darjeeling then to Sikkim prior to
entering Bhutan.
To get around in Bhutan you need to hire a motor vehicle or
walk!! There are no railways, no helicopters, and public transport is packed and uncomfortable.
The entire country of Bhutan is mountainous apart from a
small sub-tropical plain area in the south. The mountains rise to as high as 7000 metres, so the climate has
enormous variation. The rainy season lasts from May to September, and visits to altitude are at their best in
October and November.
Apart from the sheer beauty of the Himalayas there is much to
see and enjoy on your Bhutan Vacation, and space precludes large descriptions, but you ought to
visit.
Bumthang which is the spiritual epicentre of Bhutan and home
to its most ancient and precious Buddhist sites.
Thimpu is the only world capital without traffic lights, has
a real medieval feel to it. Dechenphu Lhakhang at over 8000 feet this imposing chapel is accessed by a stone
staircase. Taktshang Goemba is the most famous monastery in Bhutan on the side of a cliff 2925 feet above the
Paro. Trongsa Dzong is the most impressive fort monastery in Bhutan and can be seen from far
away.
Just visit the Kingdom of Bhutan it’s
unforgettable.
|